Japanese word

撫でる

Pronunciation

Romajinaderu

Meaning

  • verbpet

Example

犬を撫でます。inu o na de ma su

I pet the dog.

Illustration for 撫でる (pet)

More examples

祖父は孫の頭を優しく撫でました。so fu wa mago no atama o yasa shi ku na de ma shi ta

The grandfather gently stroked his grandchild's head.

Core concept

It describes gentle hand contact that moves over a person, animal, or surface, often as a sign of care.

Common phrases

  • 犬を撫でるinu o na de ru

    pet a dog

  • 頭を撫でるatama o na de ru

    pat someone on the head

  • 背中を撫でるse naka o na de ru

    stroke someone's back

Similar words

さするsasuru: To rub a person, animal, or surface gently with repeated hand movements.
触るsawaru: To touch something with the hand or another body part, usually without moving across its surface.

Definition in Japanese

手のひらや指で、人や動物の体などをやさしくさする。te no hi ra ya yubi de hito ya dō butsu no karada na do o ya sa shi ku sa su ru

Word origin

撫でる (naderu) is a native Japanese verb that developed from the classical verb 撫づ (nadu), meaning "to stroke gently."

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, pet usually suggests repeated gentle contact with an animal, while pat often suggests a brief light touch.

Other meanings

  • strokeverb
  • patverb

Related words

  • 撫で方nadekataway of pettingnoun

Word lists with this word